Joe and his wife Lu Ann married in 1980 and have resided in Douglas County for the past 40 years. They have 2 children, Erin and Carrie, and both live in Arcola, Illinois. Joe established and managed Ace Ambulance Service from 1973 to 1996 at which time the business was sold to Carle Hospital in Urbana. Joe also served Douglas County as a deputy Sheriff from 1980 to 1994 at which time he continued to serve on a part-time basis. Joe was elected to the office of Douglas County Coroner in 1994. Also in 1994, he was appointed as a director of the Emergency Management Agency for Douglas County.